by Garrett Johnston, USA TODAY Sports

by Garrett Johnston, USA TODAY Sports

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. - If Aaron Rodgers has his way, he would like to play quarterback for the Green Bay Packers through at least the 2020 season, maybe beyond.

"I've had eight great years there, the last five as a starter," Rodgers said of his career in Green Bay. "Hopefully I can give them another eight-plus years of playing at a high level."

Rodgers is enjoying his offseason this weekend on California's iconic Monterey Peninsula. He is competing in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament, formerly known as the Bing Crosby, and is paired with PGA Tour professional John Mallinger.

Rodgers' current contract expires following the 2014 season, but he understands there is considerable interest in when he will receive a contract extension.

"We'll see what happens with that, I'm not stressing about it," Rodgers said. "I think the Packers would like me to be around for a few more years, and I'd love to finish my career there."

Rodgers earned NFL MVP honors in 2011 and was named Super Bowl MVP two years ago after leading the Packers to a championship.

Getting the Packers back to the big game is no small task, especially with the San Francisco 49ers coming back to prominence in the NFC, but Rodgers believes strongly in the principle of timing in the playoffs.

"We just got to put it all together at the right time," Rodgers said. "We see these teams most of the time, they go into the playoffs playing well, and they keep it rolling. Baltimore this year, I think they lost three of the last four (regular-season games) coming in, so I think they just found the right recipe."

To Rodgers, the Ravens' resurgence during the playoffs was assisted by one man.

"They got Ray Lewis back and kind of got re-energized," he said. "(Winning the Super Bowl) is about being healthy at the right time and playing the right way."

Rodgers was impressed by the closing effort of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the big game.

"Joe had a great postseason, and now he's got to be considered among the top guys winning the Super Bowl," Rodgers said.

There are some question marks that surround retaining Packer personnel this offseason. Rodgers is hoping veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings will be one of those players that stays in Green Bay.

"We'd love to have Greg back, he's been a great player for us for a long time," Rodgers said. "I've been fortunate to play seven years with him, so hopefully we can find a way to get a deal done because he's a great player."

Regarding tight end Jermichael Finley, Rodgers clearly thinks he already is a part of next season's squad.

"He's under contract," Rodgers said, "so far as I know he's going to be a Packer. I haven't heard anything (otherwise)."

Rodgers said playing in this golf tournament has special meaning.

"It's great," he said. "I'm glad they invited me back this year. It's a special place to be. It's fun to see the pros in their element."

Those pros include the likes of fan favorite Phil Mickelson and American Ryder Cup member Brandt Snedeker, as well as European stalwarts Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington.

Rodgers played in the same group as former tennis star Andy Roddick. Rodgers said he and Roddick have been friends for a couple years.

"Andy's a great guy," Rodgers said. "Actually, we met a couple years back. He spent some time in Wisconsin growing up.

"It's fun to be able to try and hit it around with him in a game that is foreign to us."

Roddick enjoyed a Packers game a few years ago as a guest of the quarterback.

"(Rodgers) gave us the whole dog and pony show," Roddick said. "We had the on-field tour beforehand, we sat with his parents in the sky box. He was really gracious about it all, really nice."

Rodgers is slyly self-deprecating when describing his golf game.

"I'm an inconsistent player at best," Rodgers said. "This is a fun event though. It gives you some nerves you don't usually get playing my sport, so it's fun to be out here with the pros."

Rodgers feels privileged to be able to play this game with pros and people from other sports.

"I think it's great you know a lot of different people from different walks of life," Rodgers said. "This is a special place to be out here to view just the beauty of the courses. It's fun to be able to be a part of it. I'm just trying to stay out of the pros' ways."